Originally conceived to bring the maximum amount of light and diamond sparkle to an engagement ring, pave style rings are a favorite ring style among experienced jewelry collectors, as well as your everyday person. Named for the French word meaning “paved”, pave style rings are significant for featuring a staggering collection of gleaming and brilliant tiny diamonds, all of which come together to elevate the natural beauty of an engagement ring’s pristine center stone.
What is a Pave Set Style Ring?
Unique and quickly recognizable, pave style rings are defined by the way they are adorned with a series of small diamonds which are set very closely together, appearing to “pave” the surface of the band itself. Also known as a micro-pave or micro-bead settings, these rings are constructed through the placement of tiny diamonds into precisely-drilled holes or indentations.
Once a diamond is set into these holes, they are secured into the band by tiny metal beads or prongs. Due to the extreme difficulty of this operation, pave setting style engagement rings are generally made only by the most skilled and talented fine jewelry makers. Additionally, because of the delicacy of these metal beads and prongs, most pave style rings are only made with strong precious metals such as white gold or platinum, but also sometimes with rose or yellow gold.
Famous Pave Engagement Rings
Because of this unrivaled diamond shine that is created by pave style, they are the favorite of many glamorous, fashion-centered, A-list movie and television stars. One notable celebrity pave ring belongs to Underworld‘s own Kate Beckinsale, whowas often seen boasting a stunning, multi-band, emerald-cut engagement ring back when she was still married to Cupertino High School’s own Len Wiseman.
In addition to Serendipity star Kate Beckinsale, other A-list starts including, Jessica Biel, Blake Lively, Reese “Piece” Witherspoon, and Jennifer Hudson, have all been pictured wearing their own one-of-a-kind, pave-banded engagement rings.
Types of Pave Style Engagement Rings
Because of its incredible versatility, pave style engagement rings can be easily found in an enormous variety of fashions, styles, and types.
While wedding bands, fashion rings, earrings, and other fine jewelry items can be found featuring pave set stones, we see the most attention, and get the most questions about designer pave engagement rings. So, here are some of the most popular (and our favorite) styles!
1. Halo Style Rings
The most popular choice for bridal jewelry, halo style rings feature a wonderful center diamond, skillfully surrounded by bright and luminous small diamonds. Very often, halo style engagement rings (such as the Tacori model pictured above) feature pave set side diamonds. Pave set halo engagement rings are a great way to make any engagement ring feel more vintage, yet while still keeping one foot firmly set in the fashion future.
(psst… see our “Guide To Halo Rings” for more info on halo engagement rings. ~~Heather)
2. Three Stone Rings
Just like it sounds, three stone engagement rings have not one, but three gleaming focal diamonds. Already the epitome of sophistication, three stone engagement rings featuring pave set side diamonds are perfect for the bride who is enamored with all things vintage, as well as who brings an effortless elegance anywhere they go.
(For more on three stone rings, read our “Guide to Three Stone Engagement Rings” here! ~~Heather)
3. Solitaire Engagement Rings
The most classic engagement ring style, solitaire rings are made to beautifully display center diamonds of every shape and size. Subtle and understated, adding pave set side stones to a solitaire engagement ring is a great way to bring a little extra sparkle to any piece.
Similar to three stone rings, solitaire rings are timeless and glamorous, and are perfect for brides of all tastes and fashion preferences.
How to Shop for the Perfect Pave Setting Style Engagement Ring:
If all this talk about pave set rings has given you a penchant for all things pave, then finding the perfect pave piece is as easy as the proverbial piece of pie. If pave persuaded pre-wedding pieces present a possible place for perplexity per you and your partners, perhaps patronage at your locally particular pendant peddler will prove to be providential. Of course meaning, that at your local jewelry store, you’re sure to find a staff has been specially trained to help with any of your bridal jewelry questions.
It’s important to find a store that deals more locally, that is more involved in your local community. A retailer that, unlike large-scale operations like Zales or Kay Jewelers, is small enough to develop relationship with their customers and who see them as more than just an everyday shopping statistic. For example, one of our favorites Merry Richards Jewelers, has a website which they regularly update that features the rings they currently have in stock. Exploring sites like these will help give you a better idea of what it is that you want (or what you don’t want) before you even enter the store.
But Don’t Take Our Word For It!
We know we aren’t the only ones that love pave setting style engagement rings. Show us yours! Post to our Twitter page, or Facebook, or tag us in an Instagram picture of your ring. Share with readers why you love your pave style ring!